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Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers at Lake Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin on April 8, 2016

I stopped at Lake Park late morning today to check things out. The highlight was numerous Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers licking sap from new and old holes in trees. Some would sit lower towards the base of the tree as there may be more sap at those locations. It was interesting to sit and watch as this continued while I was present. Snow fell for most of the time I was present, a gloomy day with some winds. Birds around where very active. A couple species to note where a Golden-crowned Kinglet and my first Yellow-rumped Warbler of the year. Images where taken on April 8, 2016.

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, male

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Binomial name: Sphyrapicus varius

Category: Woodpeckers and Allies

Size: 8.5” long, 16” wing span

Weight: 1.8 oz

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, female getting sap

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, male getting sap

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, male

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, male

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, female getting sap

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, male with sap on bill

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, female

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, male

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, female

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, male getting sap

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, female

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, female getting sap

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, female

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, female getting sap

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, male working on getting sap

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, male

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Golden-crowned Kinglet

Golden-crowned Kinglet

Great Blue Herons at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin on April 1, 2016

By admin | April 1, 2016 - 6:22 pm |April 2, 2016 Bird Categories, Bitterns, Herons, and Allies

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I took a run over to Greenfield Park mid-afternoon do a short birding run. Great Blue Herons have returned, one seemed to want to nap while another one, a heron in full breeding plumage went hunting for some food and did some moving around too. From what I had heard, they have been back a couple of days now, how exciting. Another species I saw were 2 Pied-billed Grebes near the island. Nothing else but recent reported species. Hopefully this year they will raise another nice family there. It was mostly cloudy but the sun did shine for a couple of minutes while I was there. Images were taken on April 1, 2016.

Great Blue Heron

Binomial name: Ardea herodias

Category: Bitterns, Herons, and Allies

Size: 46” long, 72” wing span

Weight: 5.3 lb

Hanging out at the island

The drink

Hunting

Looks like a 1st year bird, a bird born last year just resting off the beaten trail

Say’s Phoebe at Goose Lake Park in Dane County Wisconsin on March 29, 2016

By admin | March 29, 2016 - 1:40 pm |March 29, 2016 Bird Categories, Tyrant Flycatchers

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I woke up and decided at that time to try for the Say’s Phoebe that was found yesterday at Goose Lake Park in Dane County. I figured a bird like this would be a one day wonder, but being so rare for Wisconsin, a bird from the western US, and nothing else going on today, try for it. I was told it is a 5th Wisconsin state record today. Traffic was horrible around Madison but I finally arrived about 8:30 to about a dozen birders that already looked like it was going to be a long day! A few birders had split off and had been doing some looking around in other areas. It was pretty cool out and I actually went back to my car for my big winter coat. When returning to an area where some birders were grouped up they all took off running, well most of them! I knew at that time things my be getting good, that might have been seen. Michael Gray had just located the bird straight south of the short grass area, along ways off, thanks Michael! After a good run, there the bird was feeding and resting, just like a flycatcher does. It is a very big area and moved around a lot and never really came close to anyone. What an exciting morning getting another life bird and seeing some birders I have not seen for awhile! Thanks to Jim Schwarz for finding this bird and getting the word out for others to see it. I hope it hangs around awhile for others to see. Images were taken on March 29, 2016.

Say’s Phoebe

Binomial name: Sayornis saya

Category: Tyrant Flycatchers

Size: 7” long, 13” wing span

Weight: 0.74 oz

Cool fact: Western US bird found here in Wisconsin. Normal Range is western Dakota’s south to western Texas and west.

Hunting!

Eastern Screech Owl, Horned Grebes, Common Loon and Killdeer in the snow in Milwaukee County Wisconsin on March 25, 2016

By admin | March 25, 2016 - 4:57 pm |March 25, 2016 Bird Categories, Typical Owls

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I did a little birding this morning on the lakefront on Milwaukee’s south side. The Lake Express Ferry had ~6 Killdeer and they were for the most part hunkered down with the snow that fell yesterday waiting for things to warm up and melt. South Shore Yacht Club had up to 8 Horned Grebes going into breeding plumage. Dave G, thank you Dave, alerted me of 2 Common Loons near the Petroleum Pier when I was at the Express, by the time I got over there, there was still one present in breeding plumage. The loon pretty much stayed out away from shore but it is really nice to see the first loon of the year. After returning to SSYC I ran into a team of birder-photograhers, Todd, Caron, Keith, Valerie and Bruce too. Todd told me about a Eastern Screech Owl he had just found and I checked it out, thank you Todd. Cool to see a Eastern Screech Owl in a natural cavity. It was a fun morning out with some friends I have not seen for awhile and meeting some new ones too. Sunny morning with a bright blue sky cool temps, but winds made it still feel like winter. Images were taken on March 25, 2016.

Eastern Screech Owl

Binomial name: Otus asio

Category: Typical Owls

Size: 8.5” long, 20” wing span

Weight: 6 oz

Amazing how the owl blends in with the habitat

Horned Grebe

Horned Grebe preening

Horned Grebe

Horned Grebe

Common Loon, distant shot

Killdeer in the snow!

Killdeer

Killdeer calling

Killdeer resting

Killdeer

Great Horned Owl in Milwaukee County Wisconsin on March 15, 2016

By admin | March 16, 2016 - 11:55 am |March 16, 2016 Bird Categories, Typical Owls

2 Comments

A couple shots of a Great Horned Owl in Milwaukee County Wisconsin on March 15, 2016. Seeing one of these is always a treat!

Great Horned Owls

Binomial name: Bubo virginianus

Category: Owls

Size: 22” long, 44” wing span

Weight: 3.1 lb

Snow Goose at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin on March 12, 2016

By admin | March 12, 2016 - 2:47 pm |March 13, 2016 Bird Categories, Ducks, Geese, and Swans

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The beautiful Snow Goose that has been reported gave nice views early this morning at Greenfield Park in Milwaukee. This adult Snow Goose either foraged along the grass area or swam in the water on the south end of the pond. Eating seemed to be its highest priority this morning. This was my 3rd try for this goose that had been reported, as it is not always present. Thanks to Lee for updates on this goose and a very early phone call this morning from Bruce that it was present this morning, I made a quick run for it and finally saw this beauty! Images were taken on March 12, 2016.

Stretching

Snow Goose

Binomial name: Chen caerulescens

Category: Ducks, Geese, and Swans

Size: 28-31” long, 53-56” wing span

Weight: 5.3-7.4 lb

Taking a drink

Preening

Foraging

Foraging

Foraging

Foraging

Just poking along

On a mission

Snow Goose with Mallard, male

Taking a drink

Foraging

Taking a drink

Shaking it off!

The gulp

Long-tailed Duck at Bender Park in Milwaukee County Wisconsin on March 7, 2016

By admin | March 7, 2016 - 4:12 pm |March 10, 2016 Bird Categories, Ducks, Geese, and Swans

11 Comments

I birded parts of the Milwaukee County lakefront today and the highlight of the day was my first stop at Bender Park. I saw the report from Dave G yesterday of the adult Long-tailed Duck at the park and the duck was still present today, thanks Dave! It gave nice views in the early morning sun, diving for food, preening and just relaxing while I was there. Shortly after arriving 3 fishing rigs came into the boat launch area and the duck moved towards the open water. Other areas I checked along the lake showed few ducks and gulls. Some areas had displaying Red-winged Blackbirds but that was about it. The ice in the lagoon at Lakeshore State Park was shrinking fast and they were ice fishing there yesterday! Images were taken on March 7, 2016.

Long-tailed Duck

Binomial name: Clangula hyemalis

Category: Ducks, Geese, and Swans

Size: 16.5” long, 28” wing span

Weight: 1.6 lb

Cool Fact: This duck was once known as Oldsquaw

The dive!

The tail!

Preening

Preening that long tail!

The drop!

The drip!

The long tail!

Just relaxing…

Red-tailed Hawk soaring in the sky at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin on February 27, 2016

By admin | February 27, 2016 - 6:40 pm |February 27, 2016 Bird Categories, Hawks, Kites, Eagles, and Allies

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The highlight of the day birding was this juvenile Red-tailed Hawk soaring in the sky at Lakeshore State Park. Even though it was a beautiful day weather wise today, birding appeared to be slow, at least where I looked along the lakefront. A Great Black-backed Gull was the only other bird to note. Images were taken on February 27, 2016.

Red-tailed Hawk

Binomial name: Buteo jamaicensis

Category: Hawks, Kites, Eagles, and Allies

Size: 19” long, 49” wing span

Weight: 2.4 lb

Glaucous Gull Juvenile and other gulls on Milwaukee’s Lakefront in Milwaukee Wisconsin on February 24, 2016

By admin | February 24, 2016 - 2:58 pm |February 26, 2016 Bird Categories, Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers

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I birded the Milwaukee Lakefront this morning and the highlight was gulls. 1 Gluacous Gull juvenile at Bradford Beach. Other gulls were a Glaucous Gull adult and 2 Great Black-blacked Gulls adults near the petroleum pier on broken ice or on the pier itself. It was a cloudy day with stiff winds making it feel like a cold January day. Images were taken on February 24, 2016.

Glaucous Gull juvenile at Bradford Beach

Glaucous Gull

Binomial name: Larus hyperboreus

Category: Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers

Size: 27” long, 60” wing span

Weight: 3.1 lb

Habitat: This large gulls breeding grounds are in the northern arctic. It spends its winters farther north than most gulls on coasts, lakes, urban areas, dumps and agricultural fields. Mostly breeds along shorelines of the seacoast, rivers and lakes, also refuse dumps. These gulls are usually not found inland.

Diet: It captures prey such as plovers, small ducks, ptarmigans, auks, birds, small mammals and invertebrates. It also scavenges dead fish, carrion, garbage and dead animal matter.

Nesting: The nest is a shallow bowl constructed of twigs, grasses, sedges, moss and sometimes feathers. The nest is located on cliff edges, grass slopes above cliffs, islands or ponds on the tundra. 3 eggs are usually laid brown in color with dark brown spots.

Glaucous Gull adult near the Petroleum Pier

Glaucous Gull juvenile, left and Herring Gull right

Glaucous Gull Juvenile with Herring Gull right

Trying to keep its balance with the high winds!

Trying to keep its balance with the high winds!

Glaucous Gull adult at Bradford Beach the next day 2/26/2016

Glaucous Gull adult at Bradford Beach 2/26/2016

Glaucous Gull adult at Bradford Beach on 2/26/2016

Pine Grosbeaks and Bohemian Waxwings in Vilas County Wisconsin on February 20, 2016

By admin | February 20, 2016 - 10:02 pm |February 23, 2016 Bird Categories, Fringilline and Cardueline Finches and Allies

11 Comments

I have wanted for a long time to do some northwoods birding and today it happened. John D. Ryan S, Bill G and I headed for Vilas County in the north in the early morning hours. The highlight of the day were Pine Grosbeaks and Bohemian Waxwings near the downtown area off of 4th Street in Eagle River in a church parking lot. Both species feed in a berry tree at the same time. Both species also bathed in puddles in the parking lot. Both species put on a spectacular show for ~10-15 minutes before flying off. We worked hard for Gray Jays and Boreal Chickadees with no luck. The Pine Grosbeaks were the 300th Wisconsin state life bird for me, and what stunning birds they were! It was a cloudy gloomy day with temps in the higher 30’s most of the day. Light rain started late afternoon as we headed home. Images were taken on February 20, 2016.

Pine Grosbeak, male

Pine Grosbeak

Binomial name: Pinicola enucleator

Category: Fringilline and Cardueline Finches and Allies

Size: 9” long, 14.5” wing span

Weight: 2 oz

Pine Grosbeak, male

Pine Grosbeak, female

Pine Grosbeak, immature male

Pine Grosbeak, immature male

Pine Grosbeak, immature male (l), Pine Grosbeak, female adult (r)

Pine Grosbeak, male

Pine Grosbeak, male

Pine Grosbeak, male

Pine Grosbeak, male

Bohemian Waxwing

Bohemian Waxwings, bathing

Bohemian Waxwings

Bohemian Waxwings

Pine Grosbeak, female

Pine Grosbeak, male

Pine Grosbeak, male eating what I think are seeds from a pine cone that have blown down, snowed on, and as the snow melts the seeds are exposed and eaten by the birds

Pine Grosbeak, female eating a pine cone seed

Bohemian Waxwing

Pine Grosbeak, female

Horned Larks at Johnson Creek in Jefferson County Wisconsin on February 11, 2016

By admin | February 11, 2016 - 8:56 pm |February 15, 2016 Bird Categories, Larks

Horned Lark

Binomial name: Eremophila alpestri

Category: Chickadees and Titmice

Size: 7.25” long, 12” wing span

Weight: 1.1 oz

Long-eared Owls in Wisconsin on January 28, 2016

By admin | January 28, 2016 - 2:03 pm |March 24, 2016 Bird Categories, Typical Owls

14 Comments

I have looked high and low for this species over the years and today I stumbled across them, the Long-eared Owls. It was a thrill to see them and to finally get this life bird for the state. There were numerous birds present at this site which I cannot disclose. Such beautiful birds they are, smaller in size then I had thought. Images were taken on January 28, 2016.

Long-eared Owl

Binomial name: Asio otus

Category: Typical Owls

Size: 15” long, 36” wing span

Weight: 9 oz

Great Black-backed Gull 2nd Cycle at Bradford Beach in Milwaukee Wisconsin on January 16, 2016

By admin | January 17, 2016 - 6:28 pm |January 17, 2016 Bird Categories, Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers

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The highlight this morning while birding some of Milwaukee’s lakefront was a Great Black-backed Gull 2nd cycle. A Great Black-backed adult was also in the area but remained far off shore just hanging out by itself. Images were taken on January 16, 2016 on a very cold, sunny morning with a steady breeze.

Hanging out with a Herring Gull left

Landing gear coming down!

Herring Gull right

Ring-billed Gulls

Common Redpolls at Frame Park in Waukesha Wisconsin on January 16, 2016

By admin | January 16, 2016 - 5:11 pm |January 16, 2016 Fringilline and Cardueline Finches and Allies, Uncategorized

6 Comments

I birded some of Milwaukee’s lakefront this morning to see what was around. Highlight at the lakefront was a immature Great Black-backed Gull and an adult that spent the time out in the water. The fun was just starting as I started heading home a received a text from Ryan S that Common Redpolls were near Frame Park in Waukesha. When I arrived, Ryan was just going to try to relocate them as they had flown off. After a 1/4 mile walk we relocated them along the river feeding on the cones on some Alder trees. What a show they put on with nice views. It was about a flock of 15-25, some came and went but the majority of them hung around for while. For the most part they continually pulled seeds from the cones and ate them. I had been down to the river 3 times this week looking for the Redpolls with no luck so this really made my day and the others that had been looking for them. A big thank you to Ryan for the text message this morning. Later Derek and Bruce showed up and also enjoyed the show. Images of the Common Redpolls eating seeds or gathering them were taken on January 16, 2016.

Common Redpoll eating the Alder seed

Common Redpoll

Binomial name: Carduelis flammea

Category: Redpolls

Size: 5.25” long, 9” wing span

Weight: .46 oz

Common Redpoll eating the Alder seed

Common Redpoll eating the Alder seed

Common Redpoll eating the Alder seed

Common Redpoll extracting the Alder seed from the cone

Common Redpoll eating the Alder seed

It’s all about food! Common Redpoll extracting the Alder seed from the cone

Common Redpoll

Common Redpoll extracting the Alder seed from the cone

Common Redpoll eating the Alder seed

Common Redpoll eating the Alder seed

Common Redpoll eating the Alder seed

Common Redpoll extracting the Alder seed from the cone

Common Redpoll eating the Alder seed

Common Redpoll eating the Alder seed

Common Redpoll eating the Alder seed

Common Redpoll eating the Alder seed

Common Redpoll extracting the Alder seed from the cone

Common Redpoll eating the Alder seed

Common Redpoll eating the Alder seed

Common Redpoll eating the Alder seed

Common Redpoll eating the Alder seed

Common Redpoll extracting the Alder seed from the cone

Slaty-backed Gull at the Johnson Creek Landfill in Jefferson County Wisconsin on January 7, 2016

By admin | January 7, 2016 - 1:52 pm |January 7, 2016 Bird Categories, Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers

3 Comments

I went out this morning to the Johnson Creek Landfill in hopes to see the Slaty-backed Gull that was reported by Tom W yesterday, nice find Tom and thanks for getting the word out! The exact location is a frozen pond on Waldmann Lane just west of the landfill. I had not been out there for about 3 weeks so I was due. I arrived around 9 am and looked the gulls over well on the ice. About an hour later Ted K showed up and we continued to look through all the gulls coming and going. After a while I spotted what I thought was the Slaty-backed Gull and we looked it over well, that it was. After about 30 minutes it took to the air and towards the landfill area. The images are rough, distant shots, this bird was at least 3/4 of the way across to frozen pond. Images show the “string of pearls” on the wings. Not a life bird as I got the one that was here on December 22, 2012. I fun couple of hours on a gloomy day. Other gulls to note that were present (3) Lesser Black-backed Gull and (2) Glaucous Gulls. Images were taken on January 7, 2016.

Slaty-backed Gull

Binomial name: Larus schistisagus

Category: Gulls, Tern. and Skimmers

Size: 25” long, 58” wing span

Weight: 3.0 lb

Note: An Asian gull that is considered a rare breeder on the west coast of Alaska and is a very rare visitor to North America.

Gyrfalcon in Superior Wisconsin and the Ivory Gull in Duluth Minnesota on January 2, 2016

By admin | January 2, 2016 - 9:00 pm |February 26, 2016 Bird Categories, Caracaras and Falcons, Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers

5 Comments

I made the run up to Superior Wisconsin and Duluth Minnesota along with Jenny, Rita and John. We arrived a few minutes before sun up. The 2 target birds for us for the day were the rare Gyrfalcon (currently in WI) and the very rare visiting Ivory Gull (currently in MN). It was an exciting day watching both species in action. The Gyrfalcon chased and Common Raven, then the Common Raven appeared to chase the Gyrfalcon. What a show it was! The Ivory Gull was there at sun up with many spectators, ate and on occasion, flew at some high speeds with Herring Gulls. Life birds for all of us on a cold morning and full sun, with low winds. A fun trip for the 4 of us and with friends and birders from around the state. Images were taken on January 2, 2016.

Gyrfalcon in pursuit of the Common Raven, images taken at about 1/4 mile from birds

Gyrfalcon

Binomial name: Falco rusticolus

Category: Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers

Size: 22” long, 47” wing span

Weight: 3.1 lb

Notes: Breeds in the Arctic, wintering in northern Canada south to the northern US.

Ivory Gull

Binomial name: Pagophila eburnea

Category: Gulls

Size: 17” long, 37” wing span

Weight: 1.4 lb

Notes: Typically spends it’s life in the high Arctic. The Ivory Gull nests are sometimes eaten by caribou.

Gyrfalcon in pursuit of the Common Raven

Gyrfalcon in pursuit of the Common Raven

Gyrfalcon in pursuit of the Common Raven

Gyrfalcon in pursuit of the Common Raven

Gyrfalcon in pursuit of the Common Raven

Gyrfalcon in pursuit of the Common Raven

Common Raven chasing the Gyrfalcon

Common Raven chasing the Gyrfalcon

Gyrfalcon, the chase ends!

Gyrfalcon cruising near a build roof top from a 1/4 mile away

Gyrfalcon

Ivory Gull

Ivory Gull

Ivory Gull

Ivory Gull with Herring Gull

Ivory Gull

Ivory Gull

Wisconsin birding, the year in review 2015. Includes vagrants, special visitors or just the beautiful birds that either nest here or migrate through the state of Wisconsin.

By admin | December 31, 2015 - 7:39 am |January 6, 2016 Bird Categories

23 Comments

I have put together a collection of Wisconsin birding moments from the year 2015. The collection includes vagrants, special visitors, or just the beautiful birds that nest here or migrate through the state of Wisconsin. All images were taken in 2015. It was a very exciting year with the birds and also birding with some old birding friends and meeting some new ones, too. Thanks to everyone who helped make this happen. When putting this post together, once again, it amazes me what birds were seen this year here in Wisconsin!

Snowy Owl coming in for a landing at the Lake Express Ferry 1-4-2015

Snowy Owl coming in for a landing at the Lake Express Ferry Milwaukee 1-4-15

Snowy Owl at the Horicon Marsh on 1-14-2015

Snowy Owl hunting at the Horicon Marsh on 1-14-15

Snowy Owl hunting from a perch at the Horicon Marsh on Hwy 49 1-14-15

Snowy Owl near the Horicon Marsh on 1-16-15

Snowy Owl doing the yawn near the Horicon Marsh on 1-16-15

Northern Goshawk at a pheasant farm in Fond du Lac County 1-22-15

Northern Goshawk at sunrise at a pheasant farm in Fond du Lac County just north of Horicon Marsh 1-22-15

Common Eider at Barkers Island in Superior Wisconsin on 1-30-15. A very rare bird for this region

Common Eider at Barkers Island in Superior Wisconsin on 1-30-15

Common Eider at Barkers Island in Superior Wisconsin on 1-30-15

Common Eider stretching at Barkers Island in Superior Wisconsin on 1-30-15

Northern Pintail at Barkers Island in Superior Wisconsin on 1-30-15

Common Eider and Northern Pintail at Barkers Island in Superior Wisconsin on 1-30-15

Kumlein’s Iceland Gull 2nd cycle at the South Shore Yacht Club in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 2-8-15

Leucistic Greater Scaup on the Milwaukee River near Milwaukee’s lakefront on 2-15-15

White-winged Scoter, male adult, just before the dive!

White-winged Scoter, male adult at the Milwaukee River mouth on 2-24-15

White-winged Scoter, male adult with a mussel at the Milwaukee River mouth on 2-24-15

Red-throated Loon at Coal Park in Port Washington Wisconsin on 2-26-15

Red-throated Loon at Coal Park in Port Washington Wisconsin on 2-26-15

Red-throated Loon at Coal Park in Port Washington Wisconsin on 2-26-15

Wood Duck, male hanging out on the Pewaukee River in Waukesha County on 3-7-15

Wood Duck, male hanging out on the Pewaukee River in Waukesha County on 3-7-15

Wood Duck, male hanging out on the Pewaukee River in Waukesha County on 3-7-15

Gray Crowned Rosy-Finch in Ashland Wisconsin on 3-15-15. Very rare bird for this region found at a private residence

Gray Crowned Rosy-Finch in Ashland Wisconsin on 3-15-15

At the feeder with a Pine Siskin, size comparison image

Gray Crowned Rosy-Finch at a feeder with a Pine Siskin 3-15-15

Gray Crowned Rosy-Finch in Ashland Wisconsin at a feeder 3-15-15

Ring-necked Duck male, on the Fox River in Waukesha County 3-19-15

Ring-necked Duck, male-left /Ring-necked Duck, female-right

Ring-necked Ducks, male-l, female-r on the Fox River in Waukesha County 3-19-15

Band-tailed Pigeon near Cuba City in Grant County Wisconsin. Found at a private residence, a very rare bird for this region 3-26-15

Band-tailed Pigeon near Cuba City in Grant County Wisconsin on 3-26-15

Band-tailed Pigeon near Cuba City in Grant County Wisconsin on 3-26-15

Winter Wren forging in a ravine at Lake Park Milwaukee Wisconsin on 4-4-15

Winter Wren in a ravine with a seed at Lake Park Milwaukee Wisconsin 4-4-15

Hermit Thrush at Lake Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin 4-4-15

Red-bellied Woodpecker at Lake Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin 4-4-15

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker at Lake Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin 4-4-15

Eurasian Wigeon, male at the Schoenberg Marsh in the early morning sun in Dane County Wisconsin on 4-6-15, a very rare bird for this region

American Wigeon, male front, Eurasian Wigeon, male back at the Schoenberg Marsh in early morning sun in Dane County Wisconsin on 4-6-15

American Wigeon, male front, Eurasian Wigeon, male back at the Schoenberg Marsh in early morning sun in Dane County Wisconsin on 4-6-15

Tundra Swans at the Madison Audubon Goose Pond Sanctuary in Dane County Wisconsin on 4-6-15

Prairie Warbler at the “Magic Hedge” near the Linwood Water Treatment Facility on Milwaukee’s lakefront in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 4-15-15

Prairie Warbler at the “Magic Hedge” near the Linwood Water Treatment Facility on Milwaukee’s lakefront in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 4-15-15

Prairie Warbler at the “Magic Hedge” near the Linwood Water Treatment Facility on Milwaukee’s lakefront in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 4-15-15

Great Horned Owl owlets in Waukesha County Wisconsin 4-25-15

Great Horned Owl owlet in Waukesha County Wisconsin 4-25-15

Great Horned Owl owlets in Waukesha County Wisconsin 4-25-15

Great Horned Owl adult about 100 feet from the owlets in Waukesha County Wisconsin 4-25-15

Bonaparte’s Gull, adult at Bradford Beach Milwaukee Wisconsin on 4-26-15

Wilson’s Phalarope, male at the Horicon Marsh on 4-30-15

Wilson’s Phalarope

Sandhill Crane at the Horicon Marsh on 4-30-15

American White Pelicans at the Horicon Marsh on 4-30-15

American White Pelican at the Horicon Marsh on 4-30-15

American White Pelican at the Horicon Marsh on 4-30-15

American White Pelicans at the Horicon Marsh on 4-30-15

Great Egrets at the Horicon Marsh on 4-30-15

Yellow-rumped Warbler, male at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 5-4-15

Black-throated Blue Warbler, male at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 5-6-15

Magnolia Warbler, male at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 5-6-15

Black-throated Green Warbler, male at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 5-6-15

Yellow Warbler, male at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 5-6-15

Blackburnian Warbler, male at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 5-8-15

Wilson’s Warbler, male at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 5-8-15

American Redstart, male at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 5-8-15

Prothonotary Warbler, male at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 5-10-15

Prothonotary Warbler, male with a bug at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 5-10-15

Bay-breasted Warbler male at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 5-10-15

Canada Warbler, male at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 5-10-15

Prothonotary Warbler, male at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 5-10-15

Black-and-White Warbler, male at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 5-10-15

Black-throated Blue Warbler, female at Whitnall Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 5-10-15

House Wren adult feeding young, yard bird in Waukesha County 5-14-15

House Wren, adult feeding young, yard bird in Waukesha County Wisconsin 6-21-15

Ruby-throated Hummingbird on Red Bee Balm, yard bird in Waukesha County Wisconsin 7-15-15

Common Loon with a resting chick in Sawyer County Wisconsin on 6-24-15

Common Loon, chick in Sawyer County Wisconsin on 6-24-15

Common Loon, adult stretching in Sawyer County Wisconsin on 6-24-15

Common Loon with a chick in Sawyer County Wisconsin on 6-24-15

American Bald Eagle, adult in Sawyer County Wisconsin 6-24-15

Purple Martin, adult at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 7-11-15

Red-tailed Hawk holding down a snake in Waukesha County Wisconsin on 7-28-15

Juvenile Red-winged Blackbirds above harassing the Red-tailed Hawk in Waukesha County Wisconsin 6-24-15

Red-tailed Hawk with frog in Waukesha County Wisconsin 6-24-15

Red-tailed Hawk with a chipmunk in Waukesha County Wisconsin 6-24-15

Red-tailed Hawk at Frame Park in Waukesha Wisconsin on 8-2-15

Red-tailed Hawk eying its prey at Frame Park in Waukesha Wisconsin on 8-2-15

Rufous Hummingbird, male found at a residence in Mayville Wisconsin on 8-6-15

Rufous Hummingbird, male in Mayville Wisconsin on 8-6-15

Ruby-throated Hummingbird on the Cardinal Flower, yard bird in Waukesha County Wisconsin 8-9-15

Ruby-throated Hummingbird on the Cardinal Flower, yard bird in Waukesha County Wisconsin 8-9-15

Ruby-throated Hummingbird on the Cardinal Flower, yard bird in Waukesha County Wisconsin 8-9-15

Marbled Godwit at CTH “V” pond in Dane County Wisconsin 8-11-15

Marbled Godwit at CTH “V” pond in Dane County Wisconsin 8-11-15

Semipalmated Plover at Myers Park in Racine County Wisconsin 8-13-15

Semipalmated Sandpiper at Myers Park in Racine County Wisconsin 8-13-15

Least Sandpiper Grant Park South Milwaukee August 21, 2015

Least Sandpiper at Grant Park in South Milwaukee Wisconsin 8-21-15

Sandhill Crane adult with juvenile feeding in the South Kettle Moraine in Waukesha County 8-26-15

Sandhill Crane, juvenile feeding in the South Kettle Moraine in Waukesha County 8-26-15

Sandhill Crane adult with juvenile feeding in the South Kettle Moraine in Waukesha County 8-26-15

Green Heron, adult waiting for a catch at Greenfield Park in West Allis Wisconsin on 8-28-15

Green Heron adult setting a bee out for bait, doing some fishing of its own at Greenfield Park in West Allis Wisconsin on 8-28-15

Green Heron adult making the catch! At Greenfield Park in West Allis Wisconsin on 8-28-15

Pied-billed Grebe, adult at Greenfield Park in West Allis Wisconsin on 8-28-15

Pied-billed Grebe, adult, the yawn at Greenfield Park in West Allis Wisconsin on 8-28-15

Pied-billed Grebe juv. eating a crayfish

Pied-billed Grebe, juvenile eating a crayfish at Greenfield Park in West Allis Wisconsin on 8-28-15

Black-crowned Night Heron, adult at Greenfield Park in West Allis Wisconsin on 8-28-15

Ruby-throated Hummingbird on the Scarlet Sage, yard bird in Waukesha County Wisconsin 8-30-15

Ruby-throated Hummingbird on the Scarlet Sage, yard bird in Waukesha County Wisconsin 8-30-15

Green Heron, juvenile with a bull frog at Greenfield Park in West Allis Wisconsin on 8-28-15

American White Pelican at the Horicon Marsh 9-4-15

American White Pelican at take off at the Horicon Marsh 9-4-15!

Great Egret coming in for a landing at the Horicon Marsh 9-4-15

Green Heron, juvenile with a small fish at the Horicon Marsh 9-4-15

Great Egret with a catch at the Horicon Marsh 9-4-15

Ruby-throated Hummingbird on the Bottle Gentian, yard bird in Waukesha County Wisconsin 9-5-15

Ruby-throated Hummingbird on the Bottle Gentian, yard bird in Waukesha County Wisconsin 9-5-15

Common Nighthawk at the Retzer Nature Center in Waukesha County Wisconsin 9-7-15

Ruby-throated Hummingbird on a zinnia, a yard bird in Waukesha County Wisconsin on 9-11-15

Sanderling at Bradford Beach in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 9-18-15

Least Sandpiper at Bradford Beach in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 9-18-15

Semipalmated Plover on the move at Bradford Beach in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 9-18-15

Semipalmated Plover at Bradford Beach in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 9-18-15

Sanderling at Bradford Beach in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 9-18-15

Blue Morph Snow Goose with a feather after preening at Veterans Park on the Milwaukee lakefront in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 9-18-15

Sandhill Cranes in the South Kettle Moraine in Waukesha County on 9-23-15

Sandhill Crane taking a drink in the South Kettle Moraine in Waukesha County on 9-23-15

Sandhill Crane in the South Kettle Moraine in Waukesha County on 9-23-15

Lincoln’s Sparrow at Lake Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 9-26-15

Eastern Phoebe calling for mom in the South Kettle Moraine in Waukesha County Wisconsin 9-25-15

Eastern Phoebe, juvenile calling for an adult in the South Kettle Moraine in Waukesha County Wisconsin 9-25-15

Forster’s Tern, adult at Bradford Beach in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 9-28-15

White-crowned Sparrow, male at McKinley Marina in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 9-30-15

Bonaparte’s Gull at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 10-1-15

Black-bellied Plover, juvenile at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 10-8-15

Blue Jay in Marquette County Wisconsin on 10-6-15

Chipping Sparrow in Marquette County Wisconsin on 10-6-15

Cedar Waxwing eating cedar berries, yard bird in Waukesha County Wisconsin on 10-9-15

Lincoln’s Sparrow at the Milwaukee Community Garden in Oak Creek Wisconsin on 10-14-15

Black-capped Chickadee still finding some sunflower seeds off a plant at the Milwaukee Community Garden in Oak Creek Wisconsin on 10-14-15

White-crowned Sparrow, juvenile at the Milwaukee Community Garden in Oak Creek Wisconsin on 10-14-15

Lapland Longspur at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 10-15-15

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher at the Milwaukee Coast Guard Impoundment in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 10-25-15. A very rare bird for the region

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher near the Milwaukee Coast Guard Impoundment in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 10-25-15

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher with a grasshopper at the Milwaukee Coast Guard Impoundment in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 10-25-15

Western Kingbird looking for some insects at Warnimont Park in Cudahy Wisconsin on 11-3-15. A rare bird for the area

Western Kingbird at Warnimont Park in Cudahy Wisconsin on 11-3-15

Western Kingbird looking for some insects at Warnimont Park in Cudahy Wisconsin on 11-3-15

Red-headed Woodpecker with a piece of acorn after splitting one up in the top of this dead oak tree in Marquette County Wisconsin on 11-7-15

Splitting up an acorn in the pocket in the dead oak

Red-headed Woodpecker hiding a piece of acorn in a tree crevasse in Marquette County Wisconsin on 11-7-15

Dark-eyed Junco bathing in Marquette County Wisconsin on 11-7-15

Black-capped Chickadee bathing in Marquette County Wisconsin on 11-7-15

Franklin’s Gull at North Point in Sheboygan Wisconsin on 11-12-15

Anna’s Hummingbird, female at a private residence in Waterloo, Jefferson County Wisconsin on 11-15-15. A rare bird for this area.

Anna’s Hummingbird, female in Waterloo, Jefferson County Wisconsin on 11-15-15

Anna’s Hummingbird, female in flight in Waterloo, Jefferson County Wisconsin on 11-15-15

American Kestrel in flight at the Lake Express Ferry in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 11-20-15

Fox Sparrow made a stop. Typically I bird I usually see on the ground feeding.

Fox Sparrow in Marquette County Wisconsin on 11-21-15

Northern Cardinal, male at the Milwaukee Community Garden in Oak Creek Wisconsin on 11-23-15

Lewis’s Woodpecker in Trempealeau County Wisconsin on 11-24-15. A very rare bird for the region. An amazing bird, amazing family that shared it too. I would guess with out a doubt the most viewed bird in the state of Wisconsin for 2015. The Lewis’s Woodpecker as I write this post has been viewed in the farm yard where it was found for over a month now.

Lewis’s Woodpecker in Trempealeau County Wisconsin on 11-24-15

Lewis’s Woodpecker in Trempealeau County Wisconsin on 11-24-15

Great Black-backed Gull at Bradford Beach in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 11-28-15

Long-tailed Duck, male at Manitowoc Wisconsin on 12-8-15

Long-tailed Duck, male at Manitowoc Wisconsin on 12-8-15

Long-tailed Duck, female, thinking about making the dive!

Long-tailed Duck, female at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 12-10-15

Long-tailed Duck, female stretching at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 12-10-15

Long-tailed Duck, female just cruising along at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 12-10-15

Snowy Owl at the Lake Express Ferry in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 12-30-15

Snowy Owl at the Lake Express Ferry in Milwaukee Wisconsin on 12-30-15

The End – Happy New Year!

Link to Wisconsin Birding Year in Review 2014:

http://www.windowtowildlife.com/wisconsin-birding-year-review-2014/

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Snowy Owl at the Lake Express in Milwaukee Wisconsin on December 30, 2015

By admin | December 30, 2015 - 4:44 pm |December 30, 2015 Bird Categories, Typical Owls

6 Comments

On a gloomy day with some on and off snow flurries the highlight on Milwaukee’s lakefront today was finding a Snowy Owl at the Lake Express Ferry. It sat on a container the time I was there. Bruce joined me and enjoyed the views too. We had been together earlier at Bradford Beach watching 4 nice Great Black-backed Gulls on the beach but were in the water more than out. The Snowy Owl seemed to be in the hunting mode but never went for anything. It did some preening and resting but that was about it. I think it is a male but have not really studied it yet. A nice way to end the year with seeing the 1st Snowy Owl of the season. 2 hunting Northern Harriers and a American Kestrel also made themselves present at the Lake Express. Images were taken on December 30, 2015.

Snowy Owl

Binomial name: Bubo scandiacus

Category: Typical Owls

Description: Adult males are mostly white with a few dark feather tips. Adult females and juveniles are white with dark scalloping on chest, back, wings, and tail. Yellow eyes, black beak, and feathery feet.

Size: 20”- 28” long, 49” – 59” wingspan

Weight: 3.5 lb. – 6.6 lb.

Habitat: Wide open, treeless spaces such as shorelines, lakes, open fields, and agricultural sites.

Diet: Small mammals such as rodents, lemmings, voles, mice, rats, rabbits, squirrels, raccoons, and other birds such as shorebirds, songbirds, ducks, geese, and pheasants.

Nesting: The female builds a nest on a mound with good visibility. She scrapes away the top layer of soil and, over several days, presses her body into the ground to make a depression. She will lay a clutch of 3 to 11 eggs and incubate them for about 5 weeks. Both parents will defend the nest and care for the hatchlings which are born pure white. The same nest may be used year after year.

Notes: Snowy owls are considered the heaviest owl in North America, weighing about a pound more than its closest contender, the Great Horned Owl. A snowy owl was featured in the Harry Potter series when Harry received his pet, Hedwig. It is also the official bird of Quebec.

Kumlien’s Iceland Gull at the Shore Yacht Club in Milwaukee Wisconsin on December 15, 2015

By admin | December 15, 2015 - 5:44 pm |January 1, 2016 Bird Categories, Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers

3 Comments

I birded some of the lakefront mid morning today in Milwaukee. My last stop was going to be South Shore Yacht Club. Only a few blocks away from there, I got a text from Jen A telling me of a beautiful Kumlein’s Iceland Gull was present on the docks. Thanks Jen! This gull may have 1st been found by John M early morning, nice find John! I stopped and we both got some nice views of this bird flying and watched it hanging out with some Ring-billed Gulls. I think this gull would be considered a 2nd winter gull. Also present was a Peregrine Falcon, but it was out far on a dock and only gave back views. I left for awhile and checked out the Petroleum Pier which had pretty much the same ducks that I have been seeing for the last 2 weeks. Lakeshore State Park still had the female Long-tailed Duck along with the ducks that it had been hanging with. Not much else to report. A fun hour or so out, always a treat to see a different gull on the lakefront! Images were taken on December 15, 2015.

Kumlien’s Iceland Gull

Binomial name: Larus glaucoides

Category: Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers

Size: 22” long, 54” wing span

Weight: 1.8 lb

Kumlien’s Iceland Gull left, Ring-billed Gull right

Kumlien’s Iceland Gull hanging out with Ring-billed Gulls, 6th from the left

Kumlien's Iceland Gull left, Ring-billed Gulls, 3 right

Kumlien’s Iceland Gull left, Ring-billed Gulls, 5 right

Take-off!

Long-tailed Duck and more at Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin on December 10, 2015

By admin | December 10, 2015 - 7:28 pm |December 10, 2015 Bird Categories, Ducks, Geese, and Swans

2 Comments

I hit the lakefront in Milwaukee early this morning. I stopped at the beaches and marinas and not much was happening. I stopped at Lakeshore State Park and did a walk through and stumbled across 3 Snow Bunting that hung around for about 1 second. I checked the pond area and it had a few Greater Scaups and in them was the female Long-tailed Duck that Todd had reported yesterday. I watched it for awhile and they were all actively feeding most of the time I was present. The Long-tailed Duck being smaller still got very pushy around the scaups. I watched something interesting happen and I captured it some what on camera. The ducks where all hanging out a scattered group and the Long-tailed Duck takes off, does a 180 for about 200 feet, bolts like a bullet, then settles down. The scaups follow it but at a slower pace. Only thing I could figure out is that a very large fish had went for the duck. I saw nothing above that could have startled that poor duck! Most ducks I have seen in one place so far this season. 2 Pied-billed Grebes and Double-crested Cormorants were also present at the park. A fun day out, wind was cool, mostly cloudy I would say. The winds were picking up when I left. Images were taken on December 10, 2015.